George Clooney calls for stop to civil war in Sudan

TODAY anchor Ann Curry joined actor George Clooney on a trek through south Sudan

With the security situation in Sudan, Africa's largest nation, deteriorating rapidly fears are growing that it could soon slide into civil war.

In response actor and political activist George Clooney is calling for renewed diplomacy to avoid another potential genocidal conflict in the region.

"If we get involved now we can stop it," Clooney told the press this week.
"We stopped the earlier civil war in 2005 with diplomacy. We didn't stop it with soldiers. So, yes, if we get involved now, we have a shot."

Clooney, 49, says the consensus is that Sudan is primed to explode and vows you don't have to take his word for it.

"It doesn't matter what I believe, because obviously I'm an actor," the Oscar-winner told the press on Tuesday. "The U.S. Secretary of State has said it's a ticking time bomb. The CIA said this is the next genocide if we're not careful. The president has said as much."

"Everyone acknowledges that this is what is going to take place if someone doesn't moderate and mediate. I'm just trying to say it as loud as possible."

Clloney met with President Barack Obama at the White House on Tuesday to discuss U.S. involvement in Sudan ahead of the critical election early next year.

Meanwhile Clooney has set up a website, SudanActionNow.org, to promote his call for rapid intervention.